I have previously stated that the Database would not be released until the Server was in Beta. The reason this goal was set was because we wanted as much functionality in the Server, and thus most of the DB Structures in place, before releasing content to the public.In light of the fact we have one principle designer/developer working on Server code, the size of our Content Team has not grown in 18 mos from the 4 people we have, and our Community is still a barren desert compared to other Emulator projects, the team and I have decided it's time to put out some "Alpha Data" as well, before the Server Beta of v0.8.0 next year.
We're doing this for multiple reasons, but the primary one is to try and rally some interest in our little project by offering some content examples, hopefully inspiring others to join the team(s) and help our efforts along. Be that C++, Data, Content, Collection or LUA Scripting folks.
How will this work?
Lethal and I have worked out how we believe this data will be delivered to your servers. We still want to make it as simple as possible, but the data is far too huge for the normal DB Update service to handle. We will be changing EQ2World to "detect" the new content, and prompt the server admin if they want to download it or not. If they say Yes, the huge archived SQL dump will come down from Sourceforge and source itself into your database.
We're still debating on whether or not Database Milestone 1 will be a complete DB wipe, or if we can keep it as an Update. In all honesty, it would be easier on us all if it were a completely new DB, erasing existing data replacing it with the new stuff. However, there are some custom servers out there that this might affect - which is why we're making sure it's delivered via user intervention only. The ultimate decision on this rests with LethalEncounter and myself, though opinions will be heard.
What content will be included?
- Zones for level 1-10 (newbie areas)
Spells for level 1-20 (GU52-compatible data)
Items - you get the whole she-bang, working or not
Generic Merchants and Loot samples (no time to get those 100% working in a month)
Misc data updates
Spawn, Quest, Spell and Zone LUA Scripts
Because this is "ALPHA DATA", that does imply at a later date, this data may become obsolete - but at least it will help individual server admins see the true power of EQ2Emulator in it's current form.